Learn Spanish in Quetzaltenango In Quetzaltenango Etnia Maya, works with two Spanish language schools. The teachers are all residents of the indigenous K’iche Maya community. The schools are responsible for the creation of a number of development projects in Quetzaltenango and surrounding areas. The projects contribute to the social and economic needs of the community. A part of the financial resources of the language schools is being deployed to support these projects. Language students who want to learn something about the K’iche Maya culture and want to contribute to development projects in Quetzaltenango are at the right place here. The is a large and very professional school. Its mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding. They want to achieve this by combining the Spanish language courses with intensive cultural programs. Additionally, the school supports local communities with projects to fight poverty through education. The is owned and operated as a non-profitorganization by the teachers. The schools community spirit creates a welcoming environment for students to learn Spanish and immerse themselves in an enriching cultural experience. Through a unique mix of intensive Spanish language study and community development, students at this school will come to a better understanding of the political, social, and cultural realities of Guatemala, while contributing to a better way of life for families in the rural areas surrounding Quetzaltenango. Working side by side with their teachers and community members, students will find themselves moved and inspired by their experiences at this school, both in the classroom and in the community environments. About Quetzaltenango Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala, with a population of 250,000. It is situated near several volcanoes in the heart of the Sierra Madres, 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City. The name Xelajú originates from the indigenous name for Quetzaltenango: “Xe laju’noj” which means “under 10 mountains”. The city of Quetzaltenango was officially founded by the Spanish on the 15th of May, 1524, though the name “Quetzaltenango” came from the Mexican indigenous peoples, the Tlaxcaltecas, who accompanied the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado and his forces during their invasion of the Guatemalan highlands. The area quickly became the site of many small towns which formed the city of Quetzaltenango, often called Xelajú or Xela by the local people. Quetzaltenango is an active city, which does not depend on tourism, nor does it have the high concentrations of language students as do tourist centers such as Cuernavaca, México, Antigua, Guatemala and Quito, Ecuador. As a result, students have more opportunity to interact with the local population and participate in Guatemalan life. Quetzaltenango has a rich history and with its six universities and several technical schools, it is often referred to as Guatemala’s cultural center and most progressivecity. There are 35,000 students from all over the country and the city taking classes at the universities and high schools. Xelajú has the highest number of elementary, middle, high school and universities per capita than any other city in the country. about Quetzaltenango. Climate At 2333 meters above sea level, Xela’s climate is idyllic. Temperatures year round average 70-80°F (21°C) during the daytime and 45°F(7°C) at night. Xela is green all year round, although during the rainy season everything really comes out into full bloom. Bring a heavy sweater for early morning as the nights are chilly, but also plenty of short sleeved T-shirts to wear during the day. Actual wheather in Quetzaltenango: